South Africa’s rising athletic stars delivered outstanding performances at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, bringing home multiple top medals.
Story Summary:
- South Africa’s Team SA secured multiple medals at the World Athletics U20 Championships.
- Bayanda Walaza won gold in the 100m men’s final, while Udeme Okon took gold in the 400m men’s final.
- Okon called for unity in South Africa amid rising tensions over nationality and identity.
These SA athletes won medals at World Athletics U20 Championships
Among the highlights was Bayanda Walaza’s victory in the 100m men’s final, where he clocked 10.19 seconds to secure the gold medal.
Walaza’s teammate, Bradley Nkoana, also made it to the podium, finishing third with a time of 10.26 seconds.
In another thrilling event, Udeme Okon took gold in the 400m men’s final, crossing the finish line in 45.69 seconds.
Okon’s victory added to South Africa’s medal tally, showcasing the strength and depth of the country’s young athletic talent on the global stage.
In the field events, JL van Rensburg added to Team SA’s medal tally by winning silver in the men’s shot put.
Van Rensburg’s throw of 20.74 metres placed him just behind the Netherlands’ Jarno Van Daalen, who took the gold.
The championships saw athletes from around the world competing at the highest level, with over 1,700 participants representing 134 teams.
South Africa’s performance has once again positioned the nation as a formidable force in athletics, particularly in sprint events where the country continues to excel.
Udeme Okon calls for unity in South Africa
Amid his athletic triumph, Udeme Okon took a moment to address a sensitive issue that has sparked national debate.
Okon, born to a South African mother and a Nigerian father, has called for unity in the country as tensions over nationality and identity continue to rise.
In a statement following his victory, Okon said:
“I was actually born in South Africa, my father is Nigerian, and my mom is South African. I grew up in South Africa. There’s a lot of xenophobia and racism going on, and I think we should actually just accept and welcome people no matter where they are from.”
His comments come in the wake of a public controversy surrounding the citizenship status of pageant hopeful Chidimma Adetshina.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also weighed in, defending Okon’s contributions to the country.
“He is a South African, legally here, didn’t steal anyone’s identity, he is not involved in nonsense and contributes positively to South Africa. He is our golden boy,” McKenzie stated.
